Golf putter with recessed shaft

ABSTRACT

A golf putter head ( 10, 110 ) having a recess ( 18, 118 ) on a top side with a first diameter and a shaft ( 19, 111 ) or hosel with a second diameter secured in the head so that the diameter of the recess is larger than the diameter of the shaft or a hosel adjacent an upper side of the putter head ( 10, 110 ). Since the putter striking face is directly in front of the point of attachment ( 18 B,  118 B) of the shaft ( 19, 111 ) or hosel with the putter head ( 10, 110 ), the impact of the putter face on the ball is transmitted directly up the shaft ( 18 B,  118 B) of the golf club. This provides the golfer a more sensitive or intimate feel of the putt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf putter heads. Specifically, the present invention relates to a golf putter head having a recessed shaft or hosel.

(2) Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,028 to Tang et al. teaches a double-balanced golf club head with a U-shaped neck tube which has one end fastened to a blind hole at one end of the face panel and an opposite end inserted through a through hole at an opposite end for securing the club head body to a golf club shaft. The golf club head can be adjusted to change its center of gravity after its fabrication.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,813 to Dill teaches a golf club having a hosel that is permanently connected to a sole plate. The hosel transverses the club head and is attached to a shaft. The strain of impact is transferred to a metal hosel so that the club does not split or crack as easily due to the strain.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,979 to Long teaches a golf putter with a head that rotates for increasing the loft of the face during impact. A cavity within the head receives the tang of the neck. The tang is surrounded by a resilient material to dampen vibration from the impact between the head and the golf ball.

U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 379,645 and Des. 378, 668, to Cameron are ornamental designs for mallet putter heads with holes for mounting a shaft. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 400,942 to Billings is an ornamental design for a mallet putter head, however it is not clear how the shaft is attached.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,343 to Richilano teaches a mallet putter having a heavy core which is insert at the sweet spot of the putter. A shaft is secured within a socket of a hosel of the putter so that an extension of the shaft passes through the sweet spot of the putter.

While the related art describe mallet putters and alternative ways to attach a shaft to a golf putter for improving performance, there is still a need for a superior solution.

Objects

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a putter with a recessed shaft or hosel mounting. This and other objects will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf putter which comprises: a putter head with a golf ball engaging face on a front side of the putter head disposed between a top side and a bottom side of the putter head, the putter head further comprising a recess in the top side of the putter head; and a hosel or shaft attached at a distal end inside of the putter head at a point of attachment in the recess, wherein the hosel or shaft is secured to be spaced from one or more edges of the recess so that the hosel or shaft is free from contact with the putter head above the point of attachment. In further embodiments the point of attachment is at or above an impact point of the putter with the ball. In further embodiments, the hosel or shaft is spaced from the one or more edges of the recess in the putter head to provide a 1/32 inch (0.079 cm) to a ½ inch (1.27 cm) gap surrounding the hosel or shaft. In still further embodiments, the hosel or shaft attaches from within 0 inches (0 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of a centerline of the putter head. In still further embodiments, the hosel or shaft attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top side of the putter head. In further embodiments the putter head comprises an elongate blade or a mallet head. In further still embodiments the putter head is aluminum. Preferably, the lower side of the putter head is provided with removable weights adjacent the opposed ends of the blade.

The present invention provides a golf putter which comprises: a putter head with a golf ball engaging face on a front side disposed between a top side, which extends between the front side and an opposed back side, and a bottom side of the putter head, the putter head further comprising a cylindrical recess with a recess diameter in the top side; and a cylindrically cross-sectioned shaft with a proximal end and a distal end having a shaft diameter, the recess diameter of the cylindrical recess being larger than the shaft diameter, wherein the shaft is secured at the distal end at a point of attachment inside of the putter head so that the shaft does not contact the putter head adjacent to the upper side of the head. In further embodiments the point of attachment is at or above an impact point of the putter with the ball. In further embodiments, the hosel or shaft is spaced from the one or more edges of the recess in the putter head to provide a 1/32 inch (0.079 cm) to a ½ inch (1.27 cm) gap surrounding the hosel or shaft. In still further embodiments, the hosel or shaft attaches from within 0 inches (0 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of a centerline of the putter head. In still further embodiments, the hosel or shaft attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top side of the putter head. In further embodiments the putter head comprises an elongate blade or a mallet head. In still further embodiments the putter head is aluminum. In still further embodiments the lower side of the putter head is provided with removable weights adjacent the opposed ends of the blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a golf putter head 10 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a face view of the golf putter head 10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head 10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter head 10 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 addressing a golf ball 40 along a line of impact on or near centerline 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a golf putter head 110 according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the golf putter head 110 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head 110 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf putter head 110 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6 addressing a golf ball 40 along a line of impact on or near centerline 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All patents, patent applications, government publications, government regulations, and literature references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present description, including definitions, will control. Definitions for the following terms are provided to promote a further understanding of the present invention.

The term “proximal” as used herein refers to the direction or portion of a putter near to the golfer when in use.

The term “distal” as used herein refers to the direction or portion of a putter away from the golfer when in use.

The term “front” or “face” as used herein refers to the edge of the putter head used as a striking surface for contacting a golf ball during putting. Some putters having a central shaft can be used in a right or left handed fashion under U.S.G.A. rules. Right handed designations are used herein with reference to the Figures, however left handed uses and configurations are encompassed by the present invention.

The term “back” as used herein refers to the side of the putter head opposed to the front striking face.

The term “toe” as used herein refers to the side of the putter head which is distal to the golfer when putting.

The term “heel” as used herein refers to the side of the putter head which is proximal to the golfer when putting.

The term “hosel” as used herein refers to a socket which can be attached to the putter head into which a shaft can be inserted. In some embodiments of the present invention a hosel attaches in the recess of the putter head. However, it is to be understood that a shaft can be attached directly in the recess of the putter head without using a hosel.

The term “point of attachment” as used herein refers to a point, plane or other area in the recess where the shaft or hosel is secured to the putter head.

The term “line of impact” as used herein refers to a line directed along the force of impact running from the front striking face at an impact point with the golf ball and back along of the putter head, as the face of the putter head strikes the golf ball.

The term “centerline” as used herein refers to a line running from the center (top-to-bottom) of the front striking face where the golf ball is impacted, to the back of the putter head. The term “fastening means” as used herein refers to any means known in the art of fastening, including screws of a number of types, bolts, pins, and clips. One preferred fastening means is an Allen screw.

The term “weight inserts” as used herein refers to any of a variety of solid materials having a size and shape capable of being removably secured by a fastening means within a slot in the putter head, which can have a wide range of densities and masses. Preferably the weight inserts are constructed of a variety of metals having different densities, however the weight inserts can be constructed of lighter materials.

The present invention provides a golf putter which having a putter head with a recess in the top side of the putter head and a hosel or shaft attached at a distal end inside of the putter head at a point of attachment in the recess. The hosel or shaft is secured such that it is spaced from the edges of the recess so that it is free from contact with the putter head above the point of attachment. In some embodiments of the putter head, the point of attachment is at or above an impact point of the putter with the ball. The recess, which is defined by one or more edges, can be of any shape, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular, square, or trapezoidal. A hosel, or alternatively a shaft, having a smaller diameter than the recess is secured inside of the putter head. It is secured so that the hosel or the shaft does not contact the putter head adjacent to the upper (top) side of the head.

The present invention, because the putter striking face is directly in front of the point of attachment of the shaft on the head, allows the impact of the putter face on the ball to go directly up the shaft of the club. This provides a more sensitive or intimate feel to the putt by the golfer, allowing him or her to more accurately gauge the accuracy of the putt in advance. Preferably, the hosel or shaft attaches deep in the putter head so that the attachment is intimate to the line of impact of the putter with the golf ball. Preferably, the hosel or shaft is spaced from the one or more edges of the recess in the putter head to provide a 1/32 inch (0.079 cm) to a ½ inch (1.27 cm) gap surrounding the hosel or shaft. The hosel or shaft penetrates the top side and attaches inside of the putter head. Preferably, the hosel or shaft attaches from within 0 inches (0 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of the centerline of the putter head.

Some embodiments of the golf putter head of the present invention comprise an elongate flat blade as described herein or in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/050,062 to Johnson hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the putter head comprises a mallet type or other style of putter head. The putter head has a width defined between a front edge used for striking a golf ball and an opposed back edge. The length of the head is defined between a toe edge, which extends from the front edge to the back edge of the head and an opposed heel edge. The thickness of the head is defined between a top side, bordered by each of the edges, and an opposed bottom side nearest to the ground when putting. The top side of the head has a recess, into which a shaft or hosel can be affixed. The shaft or hosel can be affixed to the putter head by welding or any means known in the art. In some embodiments, the shaft or hosel penetrates the top of the head and attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top surface. The bottom side of the head can optionally have two or more slots, adapted to receive weight inserts. In some embodiments the slots extend along the width of the head. However, in some embodiments, the bottom side can be solid without any slots or weights. One or more weight inserts can optionally be secured into one of the slots by one or more fastening means attached in holes in the slots in the bottom side of the head. The weight inserts provide the putter head various weighting configurations. Preferred weighting configurations place the center of mass of the putter head towards the back of the putter head (posterior) and towards the bottom side of the head (inferior). The total weight of the putter head can be adjusted by adding or removing the weight inserts.

An embodiment of a blade type putter head 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the putter head 10 includes an elongate blade 20 with a runner 17. The elongate blade 20 includes a front edge 11 and an opposed back edge 12. A convexly rounded toe edge 13 extends from the front edge 11 to the back edge 12 of the blade. On an opposite side of the blade a convexly rounded heel edge 14 extends from the front edge 11 to the back edge 12 of the blade. The blade has a thickness which is defined between a top side 15, bordered by each of the edges, and an opposed bottom side 16. A recess 18 defined by one or more edges 18A in the putter head 10, penetrates the top side 15 of the putter head 10. As seen in FIG. 2, the front edge 11 of the blade 20 is used as a striking face for contacting a golf ball 40. The front edge 11 is disposed between the ends defined by toe edge 13 and heel edge 14, and the top side 15 and bottom side 16.

As best seen in FIG. 1, indented large sighting circles 15A and small sighting circles 15B extend across the width of the blade 20 centrally with respect to the length of the blade 20 from front edge 11 to the back edge 12. The sighting circles (15A, 15B) are useful for alignment of the putter head 10 when addressing the golf ball 40. A runner 17 is attached to the bottom side 16 of the blade 20, however some embodiments do not have a runner 17. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the runner 17 has a convex outer surface 17C projecting from the bottom side 16 of the blade 20 from a front end 17A near the front edge 11 of the blade 20 to a back end 17B near the back edge 12 of the blade 20. The outer surface 17C of runner 17 keeps the blade 20 the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke.

FIG. 4 illustrate a bottom view of one embodiment of the putter head 10 showing one of many possible weighting configurations for the putter head 10. It is to be understood, however, that other embodiments of the putter head have solid bottom sides. FIG. 4 illustrates a heavily weighted putter head configuration of the putter head 10 wherein small weight inserts 20A are secured by Allen screws 21 towards the front edge 11 of the blade 20 in both a toe slot 16A disposed towards the toe edge 13 and a heel slot 16B disposed towards the heel edge 14. In addition, large weight inserts 20B are secured by Allen screws 21 towards the back edge 12 of the blade 20 in both the toe slot 16A and the heel slot 16B. This configuration results in maximal weighting of the putter head 10. A second possible configuration is a moderately weighted putter head configuration having only large weight inserts 20B secured by Allen screws 21 in the holes (not shown) and situated towards the back edge 12 of the blade 20 in both the toe slot 16A and heel slot 16B. This configuration results in posterior, inferior weighting of the putter head 10 and moderate weighting. A third possible configuration is a lightly weighted putter head configuration having only small weight inserts 20A secured by Allen screws 21 in the holes 21 and situated towards the back edge 12 of the blade 20 in both the toe slot 16A and heel slot 16B. This configuration results in posterior, inferior weighting of the putter head 10 and light weighting. A fourth possible configuration is a putter without either the small weight inserts 20A or the large weight inserts 20B in either the toe slot 16A or the heel slot 16B. This result in the lightest putter head 10 configuration. Other configurations of the weight inserts (20A, 20B) are possible, including asymmetric weighting of the putter head 10.

The putter head 10 can be constructed of any metal including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. Alternatively, the putter heads can be made of any other natural or synthetic material. The putter head of the present invention includes preferred embodiments having further bottom posterior weighting although the head could be without any weighting. The weight of the putter head is transmitted to a horizontal narrow striking area by adjusting the center of gravity. Merits of the preferred embodiments having variable weighting is that they allow for posterior and/or inferior weighting, and adjustable weighting by varying the materials used and the thickness of the weight inserts 20A, 20B. The center of mass of the putter head 10 can be shifted from the centerline along the length, width or thickness of the putter head 10 by configuration of the weight inserts 20A, 20B. In a preferred embodiment, the weight inserts 20A, 20B each are drilled and counter bored for attachment using Allen screws 21 as fastening means, however any fastening means known in the art can be used. In one embodiment of the putter head 10 the total weight of the putter head is about 350 grams with no added weight inserts 20A, 20B to about 425 grams with all of the weight inserts 20A, 20B. In preferred embodiments the weights 20A, 20B can be added to increase the total weight of the putter head 10 in 25 gram increments. In these embodiments, the center of mass can be located such that there is a posterior and inferior weighting.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter head 10 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1. This Figure illustrates that the shaft 19 (or hosel) penetrates the blade 20 and attaches intimate to a line of impact made the golf ball 40 on or near centerline 30. The putter head 10 engages a golf ball 40 on a face at the front edge 11. In this embodiment, the recess 18 on a top side of the putter head 10 has a first diameter into which a cylindrically cross-sectioned shaft 19 (or alternatively a hosel for a shaft) which has a second diameter is secured in the head 10. The recess 18 is illustrated to be cylindrical, however the recess 18 can be of any shape, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular, square, or trapezoidal. The shaft 19 (or hosel) is secured so that the diameter of the cylindrical recess 18 is larger than the diameter of the shaft 19 (or hosel) adjacent the top side 15 of the putter head 10. The putter striking face of the front edge 11 is directly in front of the point of attachment 18B of the shaft 19 on the head 10. In some embodiment, the shaft 19 (or hosel) penetrates the thickness of the blade 20 before making contact internally in the blade 20 at or near to the line of impact which is made between the front edge 11 and the golf ball 40. In some embodiments, the shaft 19 or hosel can contact the blade 20 at or near the center of mass of the putter head 10. In some embodiments, the shaft or hosel penetrates the blade and attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top side 15 of the blade 20.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an embodiment of a mallet type putter head 110 of the present invention from various views. Putter head 110 has a top side 112 and opposing bottom side 117, the bottom side 117 being adjacent to the ground when addressing a golf ball. A recess 118 defined by one or more edges 118A in the putter head 10, penetrates the top side 112 of the putter head 110. The recess 118 (FIGS. 6, 7 and 9) on the top side 112 of the putter head 110 has a first diameter into which a shaft 111, or alternatively a hosel for a shaft, which has a second diameter is secured in the head. The shaft 111 or hosel is secured so that the diameter of the recess 118 is larger than the diameter of the shaft 111 or hosel.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the top side 112 and opposing bottom side 117 are of a “D” shape defined by straight linear front edge 115 and an essentially elliptical portion defined by toe edge 113, back edge 116, and heel edge 114. The distance from heel edge 114 to toe edge 113 (length) is greater than the distance from front edge 115 to back edge 116 (width) . The length to width dimensions can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, the distal end 111A of the shaft 111 is attached in a recess 118 in the top side 112 of putter head 110. The recess is illustrated as cylindrical however, it can be of any shape, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular, square, or trapezoidal. The distal end 111A of shaft 111 is attached inside of the putter head 110 towards the heel edge 114 and the front edge 115 of the putter head 110. In further embodiments, the shaft 111 is attached to the putter head 110 through a single plain neck or socket as a hosel attached in the recess 118 in the top side 112 of the putter head 110. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of the putter from proximal end of the shaft 111 to the top side 112 of putter head 130 is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm).

The front edge 115 of the putter head 110 is linear from toe end 113 to heel end 114 along a horizontal plane, and is convexly curving from top side 112 to bottom side 117 in the vertical orientation. The front edge 115 of the putter head 110 is used as a face to strike a golf ball 40 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The front edge 115 has a vertical radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of a regulation size golf ball 40. When the golf putter head 110 is used to strike a golf ball, the contact area upon the golf ball and contact area on the front edge 115 of the putter head 110 are both linear with a narrow width, and are also horizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area on the ball usually spans the dimple diameter on the golf ball without entering the dimple concavity, so that direction of roll is not influenced by the dimple concavity. Further embodiments of the putter head 110 of the present invention can include one or more grooves (not shown) in the front edge 115 of the putter head 110. In one embodiment, the grooves runs longitudinally along the front edge 115 from toe end 113 to heel end 114 of the putter head 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the putter head 110 tapers from front edge 115 to back edge 116 of the putter head 110, such that the top side 112 of the putter head 110 angles downward towards the bottom side 117 of the putter head 110. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a central depression 119 in the top side 112 is bordered by a toe wall 119A and an opposing heel wall 119B, both of which smoothly indent from the top side 112, and a flat front wall 119C. The central depression 119 can be used to pick up a golf ball. A raised curved projection 119D extends slightly above the central depression 119 from the flat front wall 119C, however this is optional. In other embodiments the central depression 119 extends without projections smoothly into flat front wall 119C.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the putter head 110 can optionally include a circular toe weight 120A and a circular heel weight 120B, both secured within corresponding circular depressions into the bottom side 112 towards the toe end 113 and heel end 114, respectively. Toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B can be independently varied in mass to fit the swing of the individual golfer. This is important when fitting the club to the golfer's individual swing to derive the best possible putt. Toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B can be made of any dense material to balance the club swing. The toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B are thereby physically symmetrical with respect to each other, however they can be of different weights to adjust the center of mass from the centerline. Addition of toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B of different masses allows a user to adjust the center of mass of the complete putter head 110. Therefore, the center of mass of the putter head 110 can be adjusted to fall behind any point for contacting golf ball along front edge 115 which is preferred by the user, that is it allows the putter head 110 to be face balanced. Merits of this embodiment is that it allows for posterior and/or inferior weighting, and adjustable weighting by varying materials used for toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B. In a preferred embodiment, the toe weight 120A and heel weight 120B each are drilled and counterbored for attachment using cap screws (not shown). In a preferred embodiment of the putter head 110, the total weight is 350 grams with the toe weight 120A and the heel weight 120B and cap screws attached. In a preferred embodiment the putter is weighted to have posterior and inferior weighting.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf putter head 110 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6 addressing a golf ball 40 along a line of impact on or near centerline 30 with the shaft 111 and recess 118 shown in phantom. This Figure illustrates how the shaft 111 (or hosel) penetrates the putter head 110 and attaches intimate to a line of impact with the golf ball 40 on or near centerline 30. A recess 118 in a top 112 of the putter head 110 has a first diameter into which a shaft 111, or alternatively a cylindrical hosel for a shaft, which has a second diameter is secured in the head. The shaft 111 or hosel is secured so that the diameter of the recess 118 is larger than the diameter of the shaft 111 or hosel adjacent the top 112 of the putter head 110. The putter head 110 engages the golf ball 40 on a face at the front 115. The putter striking face of the front 115 is directly in front of the point of attachment 118B of the shaft 111 on the head 110. In one embodiment, the shaft 111 or hosel penetrates the putter head 110 before making contact internally at or near to the line of impact which is made between the front 115 of the putter head 110 and the golf ball 40. In some embodiments, the shaft 111 or hosel attaches at or near the center of mass of the putter head 110.

While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited hereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings herein will recognize additional modifications and embodiments within the scope thereof. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the Claims attached herein. 

1. A golf putter which comprises: (a) a putter head with a golf ball engaging face on a front side of the putter head disposed between a top side and a bottom side of the putter head, the putter head further comprising a recess in the top side of the putter head; and (b) a hosel or shaft attached at a distal end inside of the putter head at a point of attachment in the recess, wherein the hosel or shaft is secured to be spaced from one or more edges of the recess so that the hosel or shaft is free from contact with the putter head above the point of attachment.
 2. The golf putter of claim 1 wherein the point of attachment is at or above an impact point of the putter with the ball.
 3. The golf putter of claim 1 wherein the hosel or shaft is spaced from the one or more edges of the recess in the putter head to provide a 1/32 inch (0.079 cm) to a ½ inch (1.27 cm) gap surrounding the hosel or shaft.
 4. The golf putter of claim 1 wherein the hosel or shaft attaches from within 0 inches (0 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of a centerline of the putter head.
 5. The golf putter of claim 1 wherein the hosel or shaft attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top side of the putter head.
 6. The golf putter of claim 1 wherein the putter head comprises an elongate blade or a mallet head.
 7. The golf putter of claim 6 wherein the putter head is aluminum.
 8. The golf putter of claim 6 wherein the lower side of the putter head is provided with removable weights.
 9. A golf putter which comprises: (a) a putter head with a golf ball engaging face on a front side disposed between a top side, which extends between the front side and an opposed back side, and a bottom side of the putter head, the putter head further comprising a cylindrical recess with a recess diameter in the top side; and (b) a cylindrically cross-sectioned shaft with a proximal end and a distal end having a shaft diameter, the recess diameter of the cylindrical recess being larger than the shaft diameter, wherein the shaft is secured at the distal end at a point of attachment inside of the putter head so that the shaft does not contact the putter head adjacent to the top side of the head.
 10. The golf putter of claim 9 wherein the point of attachment is at or above an impact point of the putter with the ball.
 11. The golf putter of claim 9 wherein the hosel or shaft is spaced from the one or more edges of the recess in the putter head to provide a 1/32 inch (0.079 cm) to a ½ inch (1.27 cm) gap surrounding the hosel or shaft.
 12. The golf putter of claim 9 wherein the hosel or shaft attaches from within 0 inches (0 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of a centerline of the putter head.
 13. The golf putter of claim 9 wherein the hosel or shaft attaches to the putter head ¼ inch (6.35 mm) below the top side of the putter head.
 14. The golf putter of claim 9 wherein the putter head comprises an elongate blade or a mallet head.
 15. The golf putter of claim 13 wherein the putter head is aluminum.
 16. The golf putter of claim 13 wherein the lower side of the putter head is provided with removable weights. 